Latest news with #Under20Rugby
RNZ News
27-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Rugby: Milton Haig steps down after just a month as NZ Under-20 coach
Milton Haig when he was coach of the Counties-Manukau NPC team. Photo: Photosport New Zealand Under-20 head coach Milton Haig has stepped down just a month into the role, citing a difference in approach to the rest of his coaching staff. Haig recently led the side to the Under-20 Rugby Championship title in South Africa, but said his decision was based on what he believed was best for the team. "I do not feel I'm fully aligned with the coaching group around things like playing style, so have made the difficult decision to step aside to give the team its best chance of reaching its full potential," he said. Haig has a lengthy coaching pedigree having previously coached Counties Manukau in the NPC, the national Georgia team, Southland, Bay of Plenty and Suntory Sungoliatah in Japan. Haig headed a four strong coaching group of Jarrad Hoeata, Alex Robertson and Craig Dunlea who were all appointed by New Zealand Rugby. "Milton's a quality coach and person has done a great job laying the foundations for the team over the past two months. His record over time is evidence of his coaching ability and it was great to see the team perform so well in South Africa," NZR high performance player development manager Matt Sexton said. "We respect his decision to step away and admire his courage in putting the team before himself." Haig said winning in South Africa was a highlight for the team and himself. "Helping the players succeed was my primary motivation for taking the role and I believe they have the skills and drive to be successful at the World Championships in Italy," he said. Haig said he would continue in his role as a World Rugby high-performance consultant.
News24
11-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Junior Boks fall agonisingly short in epic NZ clash
The Junior Springboks narrowly lost to New Zealand 48-45 in a thrilling Under-20 Rugby Championship finale. Coach Kevin Foote praised his team's attack, character, and progress, calling the game a positive learning experience. The team remains focused on improving ahead of the U20 World Championship in Italy. The Junior Springboks fell short in their bid to capture the Under-20 Rugby Championship when they lost to New Zealand in Gqeberha on Sunday, but SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote said the players can take huge positives from their courageous effort against the young Kiwis. New Zealand held on to beat the Junior Springboks 48-45 in front of close to 15 000 spectators at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to retain the title in dramatic fashion, after South Africa led 26-24 at the break. Speaking to the media afterwards, Foote said his players can be proud of their effort, although they just fell short in a brilliant, high-scoring, and hugely entertaining match. 'There are a lot of positives to take from that performance; we are on a massive journey together and I've only met Riley Norton and the guys back in November, so we are definitely working hard on our game model and principles which everyone understands now,' said Foote. 'From a character and leadership perspective, we are in in a good place, and the lessons we learnt will be of huge benefit as we approach the World Rugby U20 Championship next month in Italy.' The South Africans played their part in a breathtaking attacking game, which delivered more than 90 points and went down to the wire, with New Zealand under huge pressure and playing with 13 men at the end. 'I think Melusi (Mthethwa, the team's backline coach) has done a great job in terms of our attack and I really feel that the players have clarity on how we want to play,' said Foote. 'We played some exciting and brilliant attacking rugby during the tournament and just to hear the crowd get behind us when we started to light it up was exceptional. 'We know we are not the finished product, and we know we have a lot of work to do, but I do think our attack has come a long way and the guys are loving the way we are attacking.'
News24
08-05-2025
- Sport
- News24
Baby Boks' Wallaby Rugby Champs stumble leaves them with massive mountain to climb
South Africa 29-24 humbling at the hands of Australia in their Under-20 Rugby Championship wasn't just their second consecutive defeat to the Junior Wallabies, but impacted their chances of winning the tournament. They'll need a favour from Argentina in the last round of games on Sunday, from where they'll have to beat New Zealand by a bonus point. The SA Under-20s have continued to flatter to deceive since their 2012 success on the world stage. For more, please visit News24 Sport's dedicated rugby section. A team rebounding from 17-0 down to win a game isn't new across all levels of rugby. The bigger concern, though, for the Junior Springboks, who lost 29-24 to Australia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Tuesday, was the gradual capitulation that allowed the visitors to build a second-half innings that ultimately won the game. Even for Under-20s, it is understandable that games can be won or lost from that particular position, especially if there's a mental switch-off for more than 35 minutes. This was the case for Kevin Foote's side, who had to endure a second consecutive loss to Australia across two Under-20 Rugby Championship editions. Last year, under Bafana Nhleko's guidance, the SA Under-20s stuttered to a 24-19 loss to Australia after drawing their opening game 13-13 against the Junior All Blacks in Bokarina. The manner of that loss wasn't as deflating considering how they went toe-to-toe, even though they had players off the field for yellow and red card offences in the second half that allowed Australia to have a foothold they didn't fully relinquish. With 14 points in three minutes from a pick-and-drive try, along with some unexpected forward dominance, the Australians effectively put the game to bed at 26-17 in the 74th minute. The loss leaves South Africa with an absolute mountain to climb as they face a New Zealand side they must beat with a bonus point, while also hoping that Argentina, who were flattened 75-21 by New Zealand in Tuesday's early game, get one over Australia. READ | Coach Foote after Junior Boks let slip 17-0 lead: 'Australia deserve a lot of credit' New Zealand, who are the defending champions, leads the four-team tournament with seven points after their 29-29 draw against Australia, from where they cleaned out Argentina. Australia, who are on six points, could narrow the race between them and New Zealand if they beat Argentina with a bonus point. South Africa are on five points and can only finish on 10, with New Zealand and Australia having a bench-mark of 12 and 11, respectively. As much as South Africa's schoolboy rugby scene is comfortably the best in the world, with Under-18 players coming out of every corner, the step up to Under-20 has been such a difficult one that several coaches have failed to solve the conundrum. Foote is the latest to try and figure out how he can take the Junior Springboks to the next level, with the group having last won the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in 2012. They last visited the final in New Zealand in 2014 under Dawie Theron, who was also at the helm two years previously. Whether Foote has a starting 15 or a strong bench is something he needs to fret over in the coming two days. His bench rescued the Argentina game from 25-15 down, and the starters controlled the game at 17-0 until the 46th minute, from where Australia had their 29 minutes of 29 points. Who he picks can't even be termed a gamble because, for all the riches South African junior rugby has at its disposal, its Under-20 failure is becoming a sore point. There is an opportunity to salvage pride that was decimated by the second half somnolence they can ill-afford against New Zealand.
